Dj Ndur
The future looks bright for deep House for DJ Ndur Gumbi who grew up in a musical family. His father had a Scathamiya Group and his sister was doing Gospel music. The young man from Mandawe in KwaZulu-Natal is known for entertaining the people of Mzansi on the decks with sensational Deep House Music. We caught up with him and asked him a few questions about his career,inspiration and his future in the deejaying industry.
ZiyawaMag: Who is Ndur?
Nduh: Ndur is very hard working person, talented, ambitious and a people’s person.
ZiyawaMag: When did you start music?
N: I started music at a very young age because my father had a Schathamiya Group and my sister was doing Gospel.
ZiyawaMag: So how did becoming a house DJ come about?
N: I didn’t take it seriously when I was still at high school as I was convinced that after my matric I would become a fashion designer. I even designed my matric dance suite, but after I completed my matric at Roseville Secondary School at Mzinto, I had to move to Johannesburg where I started has a party DJ in Townships.
ZiyawaMag: Why then did you choose to come back from Johannesburg?
N: I had no choice, my parents and my older brother died, so I had to move back to KZN to take care of my siblings. Luckily for me, I am a very driven person who was always positive about life. In 2007 I secured a job at Havana Club House as a bar-man. It was very difficult to come and play at clubs during that time with people hadn’t heard me play, they didn’t know that I was DJ. One day I asked the manager of the Club to give an opportunity and they were amazed by my talent. That is how I started.
ZiyawaMag: What projects are currently working on?
N: I’m busy with Sediktive Soul where we produce, write music and also do vocals for young upcoming artist.. There also Seduz Events which goes to rural areas in searching of a neglected talent.
ZiyawaMag: What are your most memorable moments in your career so far?
N: I would have to say that my best performance has to be when I played at Havana in 2007 and people cried. The other one is has to be when I was playing at Durban Youth Radio (DYR) where tears just ran out of Lebo’s eyes .
ZiyawaMag: Are you in a relationship?
N: Yes I have a girlfriend and I’m faithful to her. She is also in this industry which makes it easy for us to have a good relationship.
Dj Ndur
ZiyawaMag: You are so busy. When do you get time to rest?
N: I don’t have much leisure time, but whenever I do get some, I make the most of it and rest. I believe that in taking care of yourself, you give yourself the opportunity to be the best you. I’m also looking for a manager who will bring some sort of organisation in my life, someone who’s experienced, who is also passionate about music. I don’t want someone who is after the fame and money.
ZiyawaMag: Who has inspired you in life?
N: Definitely DJ Vumar, a very close friend of mine. That guy (Vumar) is humble, Down to earth and very passionate about his work. He doesn’t let fame go to his head although he has made it in this game.
ZiyawaMag: Your favourite music locally and international?
Locally it has to be DJ Black-Coffee and internationally Raffgum stand out for me.
ZiyawaMag: What lessons has music taught to you?
N: Music has tough me that easy come easy is go. If you work diligently, you will always reap the reports. In this game you have to know what you want. The fact that I am able to wear decent clothes and put food on the table makes me happy. Whatever negative comments people make about me keep me growing strong. I know where I come from. It has been a journey.
ZiyawaMag: Did you study music?
N: I’ve never studied music. I have always believed in my talent. You will be very astonished that I have never gone in search of a job. I was afraid that if I get a job my level of work in music would decline.
ZiyawaMag: What are your future plans?
N: I want to be an international DJ, I will be an icon. I want to make a difference in people’s life.
ZiyawaMag: Your advice to young upcoming DJ’S?
N: Don’t chase accomplishment, persevere and be passionate about your work.
Interview conducted by Stix Cele and Minenhle Mkhize, edited by Ntokozo Madlala!
